James Karsten Brown Rilying, 77, of Rochester, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL.

Karsten was born on July 21, 1947, in Harrisburg, IL the son of James and Earleen (Brown) Rilying.

He married Carol Brown on August 24, 1968, at LaGrange Christian Church in LaGrange, KY.

Karsten graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and History.  He worked for the Illinois State Police in the Forensic Crime Lab and was a member of the American Society of Crime Lab Directors.

He enjoyed woodworking, coaching his children in soccer and baseball, was a Cub Scout leader, loved going to his grandchildren's events, and an avid reader.

He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Karsten is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Joshua (Jen) Rilying, daughter, Kirstin Rilying; grandchildren, Jaden and MacKenzie Rilying as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 4:00-6:00PM at Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St. in Rochester. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00AM on Friday, August 2, at the funeral home with burial following at Rochester Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ehlers-Danlos Society at Ehlers-Danlos.com/giving or by mail 447 Broadway, 2nd FL #670 New York, NY 10013; or to the American Heart Association PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.